I called Alfa, they told me to take it in to my dealer (Piccadily) to confirm the problem (my discs were warped though - not sure if yours are?). Did this and was told to replace the standard discs and pads with the dealer and if there was a recurrence of the problem within six months they would consider an upgrade. I then spent alot of time on the phone to AR saying (based on the evidence on here) that this was a recognised issue, what was the point in paying for new discs/pads at vast expense (nearly £500 fitted) to then have to waste time going through the same again in six months etc, etc. I managed to convince them to go 50/50, which saw me paying @£600, so only really out of pocket by £100 (if i had followed their guidance). My car is also Sep 03, but has only done 17000miles - even so it is worth a try, but be prepared to get a little frustrated when you get passed from pillar to post on the phone...
Not sure if your 'zone manager' on that side of the pennines is the same as ours, but I am happy for you to site my case as precedent if required?